A far better fisherman than I shows the way

  Went on a stroll to the local hatchery. Watched for 10 minutes as this blue heron stalked and predated a very large rainbow trout. Larger than most of the fish I’ve caught this year in fact. It is evident that the recent installing of netting has not had entirely thorough results. 

 Over the decades, PA has increased the stocking of rainbow trout in the Little Lehigh as compared to when I was young. I have noticed a marked increase in the amount of anglers and herons, and a marked decrease in the amount of native species. The implants don’t  survive the heat as well. But they do outcompete through sheer numbers. Few however make it to the next year, unlike the big brown trout that remain through summer and also floods.

   I have watched them remove some of the small dams from the stream, with a few more to go. I am eager to see the long term effects. The city has taken to letting the banks of the stream remain highly overgrown with vegetation in order to maintain lower water temperatures. This combined with the limestone properties of the water enable better fishing deeper into the heat than would otherwise be possible. 

  Berkley Power Worms, Pautzke fireballs, spinners, spoons, and mini crank baits all meet with success.  The water is gin clear. It is best to stay out of it. Sometime in early to mid September there will be a mighty hatch of flying ants. You can smell them and see them by the thousands around my neighborhood. This is among the best fishing day of the year perhaps. Particularly for fly fisherman, who can access the most prized and protected part of the creek.

  I know this is not regular fishing material. Hopefully it will not go unappreciated. When the fish don’t bite and I have long hours of lonely contemplation, I think of these beautiful birds. I long to possess their skill and patience. In my life, I long to flow like the water that flows unceasingly wherever it may. Seeking the easiest path and carving mountains to sand on the way. I appreciate my little slice of nature and I hope you do too… A little stream report from Eastern Pennsylvania. Tight lines.